AmeriCares Provides $1.1 Million in Medical Supplies to Nepal

January 5, 2016

In response to a request from the to help restock hospitals in Nepal that are running critically low on essential supplies in the wake of earthquakes that shook the region last spring, has announced a donation of medical products valued at $1.1 million.

The shipment of products from AmeriCares pharmaceutical partners , , and , among others, is part of a series of aid packages aimed at addressing a shortage caused by a political dispute in the region that is disrupting the flow of imported goods from India, including fuel, medicine, and other necessities. The latest package includes donated antibiotics, pain relievers, thyroid medication, allergy medicine, and other medical products. WHO and Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population will manage the distribution of the products to health facilities in the country.

Many of the facilities receiving support through the program report that suppliers have halted deliveries, while some have warned they might have to cut services if they can't get their hands on the supplies they need. To date, AmeriCares has deployed emergency medical teams to treat survivors, delivered more than $21 million in urgently needed medicines and relief supplies, and supported healthcare services in the affected regions. The relief organization has opened an office and warehouse in Kathmandu to oversee its earthquake recovery programs through 2018.

"The shortage of fuel and medicines has created a second emergency only eight months after the devastating earthquake," said AmeriCares vice president of emergency response Garrett Ingoglia. "With support from our pharmaceutical partners, we are helping to ensure hospitals in Nepal can continue serving patients."